Senator Rick Scott, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Tina Smith recently reintroduced the
Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act (
S. 473) that addresses senior loneliness.
The SENIOR Act would:
- Promote programs that combat loneliness and support community integration for seniors by adding “loneliness” to the definition of “disease prevention and health promotion services” under the Older Americans Act.
- Direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary to prepare a report on the impacts of loneliness on seniors and propose solutions for identified impacts; and
- Through the report, analyze the relationship between the strength of multigenerational family units, loneliness, and seniors.
NCAL supports the SENIOR Act and will keep members appraised of any updates if the bill advances.